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Collaboration with Regulators to Support Quality and Accountability Following Medical Errors: The Communication and Resolution Program Certification Pilot
Author(s) -
Gallagher Thomas H.,
Farrell Michael L.,
Karson Hannah,
Armstrong Sarah J.,
Maldon John T.,
Mello Michelle M.,
Cullen Bruce F.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
health services research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.706
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1475-6773
pISSN - 0017-9124
DOI - 10.1111/1475-6773.12557
Subject(s) - certification , accountability , commission , health care , transparency (behavior) , medicine , patient safety , accreditation , health care quality , quality management , business , public relations , medical education , political science , marketing , finance , law , service (business)
Objective Communication and resolution programs ( CRP s) involve institutions responding to adverse events using transparency with patients, event analysis, recurrence prevention, and compensation. Collaboration with regulators around CRP s could enhance health care quality. Setting and Participants Health care institutions, liability insurers, and the Medical Quality Assurance Commission ( MQAC , board of medicine) in Washington State. Study Design MQAC has collaborated with the Foundation for Health Care Quality ( FHCQ ) on the CRP Certification pilot. A panel of physicians, risk managers, and patient advocates at FHCQ will review cases for use of the CRP key elements. Cases meeting this standard will be “ CRP Certified.” If MQAC determines that the CRP enhanced patient safety comparable or better than board action, the Commission may close the case. Principal Findings Developing this process identified the following issues: (1) protecting information submitted for CRP Certification; (2) determining what information the Commission needs to assess whether additional investigation is warranted; (3) preserving the Commission's responsibility to protect the public while working with health care organizations; and (4) addressing concerns that CRP Certification not shield incompetent providers. Conclusions The CRP Certification program is a promising example of collaboration among institutions, insurers, and regulators to promote patient‐centered accountability and learning following adverse events.